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Folks, The day I have been dreading is upon me - I have to part with my S2000 . It has been the third car in the family, we are a two car household and I take the public transportation to work. Although the missus is hooked on top down motoring thanks to the S, I cannot stall her anymore in trying to justify(!) the existence of the two seater, not ... Read More
I'll look at a Z4 3.0Si, Z4 M roadster, and a Boxster and see how they perform. I agree with fedlawman - if you want a heavier, dulled feel roadster like the Z4, get it. But don't suggest to Honda that they go in that direction with the S2000. You may not like the fact that it is visceral, but that's what makes it great and sets it apart from cars ... Read More
"the s2k had some good power in it but, it doesnt compare to the z." I think it's pretty obvious that there are fans of the S2000 and fans of the 350Z. Personally, I think those that say the "like both cars" are trying to be diplomatic. The S2000 and 350Z are about as far apart in their approach to sports car performance as one can get in the $32k+/- price ... Read More
Been skimming through this thread and wanted to add a bit of my own experience in general, not really in response to any one post. I've driven the Z and the S, not the Sky. I think just based on the specifications of each car, it should be obvious how each will drive. The Z is going to be a brute with a lot of torque that tappers off by redline ... Read More
"But what stands out to me is the engine. I wouldn't call 2.0 liters a "big motor" as you suggest. The 2.2 in the S2K is "bigger". I have read an awful lot about the wonderful Honda engines but this one does not cut it in my book. Max torque is a paltry 162 lb-ft and you don't get it until you reach 6800 RPM!! Up shifting the Honda must feel ... Read More
You are smart to be concerned about potential abusive test drivers. That said, it's probably going to be tough to find an S2000 with the minimum 3-4 delivery miles unless you catch one literally coming off the delivery truck. My 2002 S2000 was also off the showroom floor and had 10 miles on the odometer. The sales manager appeared professional and claimed that the only miles the car had been driven ... Read More
Okay, so I just dug a little deeper on the cost issue. MSRP for the Solstice is $26,515. If you add air (it is optional), the total comes to $27,475. This compares to 34,250 MSRP for the S2000. That is a $6875 difference. That is a huge number …. as in a cruise vacation to Hawaii for my wife and I. Knock $3000 off of each one for proper deal making ... Read More
I would not give up so easily on getting a new car, especially if you intend to keep it for 7-8 years. You were owed a car without obvious defects. It was unfortunate that you took delivery at night, but that doesn't eliminate their obligation. If I were you, I'd talk to the general manager / owner of the dealership in person. I'd also try to get in touch with Honda ... Read More
mdinightcowboy and clonedtodeath: Thanks for your replies. It is hard to argue that the current S2000 isn't flirting with perfection - at least at the performance levels and price point it is at. I did prefer my 9,000 rpm 2.0 liter 2002 model to the current 2.2 liter version, but not by much. It looks like the S3000 won't become my pet project. Not if I have to buy 4,995 of ... Read More
The 2000/2001 S2000's were known to have gear grinding, especially in 1-2, 2-3 shifts. Eventually, the transmission would need to be replaced. In 2002, they upgraded and strengthened the transmission. There probably isn't much you can do about this in your inherited car, since it's now nearly 7 years old. The dealer I bought my 2002 from had gotten authorization from Honda to replace 2000/2001 transmissions with the new model if ... Read More
I've read about the S2000 losing control without warning and without allowing recovery. I never experienced a sudden loss of control in 2.5 years and 19,000 miles. On the other hand, the S2000 is a lighweight roadster and the OEM high perfomance summer tires are not great in heavy rain (and horrible in snow). I drove my S2000 when it was relatively new on a 250 mile highway drive in steady ... Read More
I think your numbers are a little off. If I am not mistaken, Honda imported roughly 5,000 to 7,000 S2000's per year to the US between late 1999 and now. There are probably close to 50,000 in the US. On the other hand, I believe that Toyota and Honda produce more like 300,000+ Camrys and Accords annually for sale in the US. So the idea of the S2000 being exclusive is ... Read More
Are you serious? I had a 2002 S2000 and - as you can probably tell - thought very highly of it. But I now have a 2005 Carrera S Cab. I seriously doubt a Honda S2000 in my garage would get much use if the Carrera stayed. The 997 is a better 20 mile daily commuter and neither of them are practical for winter use, even with winter tires. If you ... Read More
"Don't run synthetic until you are past the 10k mile mark. The conventional Dino oil is essential for proper break in." Where did you hear/read that? I may be wrong, but I thought my 2002 S2000 shipped with Mobil 1 from the factory. I am absolutely certain that I was advised to use Mobil 1 for all oil changes, which I had done every 4,000 +/- miles. Given that all Porsches, ... Read More
I had the "noisier" 2002 model with the 2.0 liter 9,000 rpm engine. Noise was not an issue for me, but was for my wife when the top was up at highway speeds. On the highway, the 2002 was running at about 4,000 rpm at 70 mph. I suspect if I had to sit in the passenger seat most of the time, it might be a little annoying for me too. ... Read More
I owned a 2002 S2000 and have driven a 2005, The difference to me was noticable, but it didn't change the fact that the S2000 is still a lightweight, high RPM sports car. The new one is a bit quieter, with a little more low end torque. On the other hand, it's 17" wheels felt a little more jarring, with no noticable improvement in handling and the 8,000 rpm redline isn't ... Read More
I test drove both a 2006 Z and a 2002 S2000 (Honda won't let you test a new S2000.) (I really don't know why they think the S is so special, they will throw you the keys to a Z at any Nissan dealership.) Anyway the I drove both the Z auto and stick. The Z was a little cumbersome in a stick model. The Z auto was really smooth and ... Read More
We trust both brands to be dependable and both are around $32,000. I know one is a convertable and one is a coupe, but it's about the fun not the details. I owned a 2002 Honda S2000 for 2.5 years and 19,000 miles. I still own a 1995 Nissan Maxima SE w/ 155,000 miles. So, based upon my experience, I can agree with your statement that both "brands are dependable". But ... Read More
You didn't ask me, but I'll give you my 2 cents on your list - as well as a couple of others: Boxster: At the time I bought my 2002 S2000, the closest competitor in driving dynamics and performance was the Boxster S. When I was back in the market last September, I drove the new Boxster S. Great car, but $60K+ the way I would want it. The new base ... Read More
While I am not too technical, I have gone thru' my share of ownership / test drive experiences of some fine automobiles in the US and I am sure that entitles me to consider myself a serious auto buff :D - Here are my 2 cents: I was waiting for the redesigned Mini S convertible for a while. When it became apparent that it was not going to be released until ... Read More
I had a 2002 upon which I put 18,000 miles in 2.5 years before trading the car. The rear tires were near the end of their life and the fronts probably had 7,000 miles left. I drove pretty reasonably. For what it's worth, I put new tires on my TL 6-speed at 19,000 miles, so getting 20-25k out of a Honda S2000 is not bad. The guys at Tire Rack can ... Read More
Glad to hear that you aren't just going to the store 2 miles away during the break in period. My former Honda service manager (2002 S2000) is now the head of Service at a BMW dealership. Caught up with him when I went in to look at the new M5. He believes that Honda is not very good about instructing S2000 users of the proper break in procedure. He completely agrees ... Read More
Formula Red , Babied by previous owner (God Bless him!!), (nearly) new tires, Injen cold airflow intake, Optional Hardtop (which makes it driveable 300 out of 365 days a year- as long as the pavement is dry), CAR COVER, GrillCraft Grill Inserts in Black, detailed on a regular basis. Condition is immaculate and my mechanic gave it a 10 over 10. :D ON ROAD PRICE was $22,125, incl. TTR Cheers!! --njexpress ... Read More
I'm guessing that the previous poster forgot the word "not". Last weekend marked the 4th anniversary of my purchase of a 2002 S2000. I bought it for $32k ($880 under MSRP), which was a great deal at the time, considering the Edmunds TMV was still $36,000 ($3120 over MSRP). I traded it 2.5 years later in May 2004 with 19,000 miles for $23.2k on an Acura TL, but could have sold ... Read More
A couple of comments: First, Honda made several improvements for the 2002 model year (which I owned): glass rear window, more powerful 4 speaker stereo, cosmetic upgrades, AND, revised stronger transmission. I believe the new transmission in 2002 took care of the gear grinding problem on the earlier models - I certainly had no such issues. If there is any way you can afford a 2002 over a 2000 or 2001, ... Read More
Well, as of 7 days ago, I am the owner of a new 2005 911 S Cabriolet. It had been 16 months since I traded my 2002 S2000. At various times while shopping, I thought I might end up with another S2000. But our financial situation allowed a splurge, and both of my daughters fit (for now) in the back seat of the 911. That alone is worth the slight ($65k) ... Read More
i just recently graduated college and wanted to reward myself with a new car. i've narrowed my choices to a z3 3.0 and a 2002+ s2000. im leaning on the s2000 only because i've heard its more of a driver's car. however, i haven't had the opportunity to sit in one yet. im about 6'1" 210 pounds...and i was wondering if you think i will have any trouble fitting in an ... Read More
I agree with kyfdx, but would even go one step further. Put the requirement that the car not be test driven in writing , have them sign it and attach it to the sales contract. As for the "what if" in the event it is test driven, I'd specify that you can terminate the contract for a full refund or accept a $1,000 additional discount, at your election (not theirs). This ... Read More
The first step, hopefully, is to make sure the car hasn't been or won't be test driven by anybody prior to your picking it up. The S2000, more so than even a Boxster, 911 or other sports cars, is not a car that should be red-lined or driven to it's limits off the truck. After that, my recommendations are to drive it normally for the first 500-800 miles, varying engine speed ... Read More
I had a 2002 S2000 for about 30 months from November 2001 throguh May 2004, during which time I put approximately 18,500 miles on the car. Live in the Washington DC area. The S2000 doesn't like snow. The tires were the biggest issue. I had a Nissan Maxima that I used in poor weather, so I never tried switching to snow tires on the S2000. But even with snow tires, the ... Read More
And my two cents on the advantages (or not) of storage: I bought a 2002 Honda S2000 in November 2001. We live in DC and the car was parked outside. I did get a high quality car cover for periods when we traveled or I thought I wouldn't be driving the car for several days. However, I did get many opportunities to drive the car thorughout the winter months and found ... Read More
"Improved suspension with softer ride" Some might contend that improved and softer in a sports car are contradictory terms ;) My take on a 2005 S2000 vs. the former 2002 model I owned for 2.5 years is that the ride is slightly rougher over bumps, not softer, probably due to the lower profile 17" wheels. I also think the interior changes are a aesthetic net negative. I thought my 2002 all ... Read More
That certainly wasn't normal on my 2002 S2000. I could shift easily into all gears in the dead of winter long before the engine and transmission fluid heated up. Did you hear the Honda technical support rep say this or are you taking the dealers word on it? It sure sounds like a line of bull to me. FWIW, my dealer got Honda to approve transmission replacements on 2000/2001 models that ... Read More
I bought a 2002 S2000 for $32,000 in late 2001 when the Edmunds "TMV" was $36,000 ($3,200 over MSRP). Today, the Edmunds TMV in my area is $30,982, approximately $650 over invoice and $300 less than the price you were quoted. Personally, in my last three purchases (all Honda/Acuras) I have substantially beat Edmunds TMV price, so I would expect to be able to buy an S2000 toaday for invoice - ... Read More
I also would like to know your source of information that this is the last year of the S2000. I don't have information to the contrary, I'm just trying to sort out rumor from fact. One fact I will dispute is that the S2000 was a money losing venture for Honda. When I bought my 2002 in late 2001, I got a $800 discount to MSRP on a snowy day in ... Read More
No, the S2000 is not discontinued, although the engine has been enlarged by 200cc's, by stroking, for 2005. I traded my 2002 S2000 for a 2005 S2000. You and your wife will fight over who is going to drive, it is that much fun. If you can find a high mileage used S2000. Also you should be able to find one for around $22K . The car will be less expensive ... Read More
2000 and 2001 have the plastic window. For 2002 they replaced it with a smaller glass window. They also boosted power on the OEM stereo and were supposed to upgraded the transmission - some other minor trim type stuff. The 2002 cars have separate tweeters in the door, 2000 and 2001 cars have a single (coaxial) speaker. For 2004 they changed to a 2.2l I4, but it no longer revs to ... Read More
I have also heard that 2005 is the last year for the Honda S2000, but that would not deter me from buying the car at all. Honda dealerships are not going anywhere and the company is likely to support the car with respect to parts and service for the foreseeable future. However, as a former owner of a 2002 S2000 which I kept for 2.5 years, I would suggest you consider ... Read More
Hello Honda roadster enthusiasts. I will be sad to see the S2000 go after this model year, according to toydriver. But, I hope the manufacturer support continues for parts and such. Getting to my topic, I'm very seriously considering the purchase of a 2002 model with 31,000 miles. I've read about the possible gear griding to look for, and the convertible latch to watch out for too. Anything else I should ... Read More
When I bought my 2002 Spa Yellow S2000 (as a third car), my daughters were 3 & 6. When I traded it earlier this year, they were 6 & 9. Not a S2000 goes by us (especially a yellow one)that they don't both let out a load moan about how much fun ours WAS! I'd occassionally take them both back and forth from school on quiet side streets and by the ... Read More
From Edmunds review of the 2002 S2000: "For 2002, Honda has added a glass rear window with a defroster, an improved transmission and a more powerful audio system. There are also a handful of minor changes that only '00-'01 S2000 owners would notice, such as chrome-bezel taillights, an upgraded center console, door panel net storage pockets, a new shifter knob, an aluminum-accented foot rest and silver trim interior accents." I'm not ... Read More
Did your 2001 S2000 have a transmission replacement or "fix"? I owned a 2002 and waited for the 2002 in part because of the glass reazr window and revised transmission design. Pre-2002's were prone to 1-2 gear grinding. I raise this because, if it is available, I would only get the "Honda Cares" official extended warranty. Aftermarket warranties are notoriously poor at covering serious problems without a fight. Had I elected ... Read More
I'm somewhat sorry to report that after 2.5 years of a most enjoyable relationship, I am trading my 2002 S2000 as part of a deal to get a 2004 TL (6-speed of course). There will, undoubtedly, be some significant moments of remorse; especially when I see someone else, top down, shoot by me in a spa yellow S2000. But when I got the S2000, I intended for it to be a ... Read More
I've been given a 2004 S2000 to drive for the next 3 days while the Honda general manager is out for the Thanksgiving holiday. I know the owners of the dealership and they still joke that it's their goal to get me to drop my spot (#2) on the Elise list and get an S2000 instead. Something about someone my age shouldn't be trying to get in and out of an ... Read More
I had the opportunity to test droive the new 2004 S2000 and chat with a Honda regional rep who is a serious enthusiast. My take - echoed by him - is that the new S2000's impprovements, while looking good on paper, are almost indetectible. In my opinion, the "more torque" and "more useable power" were not as evident to me as the lower redline. The 2004 did not seem as quick ... Read More
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